Abstract: Combination method for the gasification of coal and the reduction of metal ores involving hydrogenation gasification of coal to produce hydrocarbons and a coke component. The coke is subjected to steam gasification and the gas therefrom used to reduce ores. Spent gas from the reduction is treated to convert CO in the gas to H.sub.2 and CO.sub.2. The CO.sub.2 is scrubbed out and the H.sub.2 is sent to the hydrogenation gasification to hydrogenate the coal.

Abstract: Gasification of coal by hydrogenation to produce CH.sub.4 hydrocarbons, and by steam to produce hydrogen. Forming a medium-grain and a small-grain fractions from coal. Hydrogenating the volatile and readily reactive components of part of the small-grain fraction to form hydrocarbons and coke. Mixing the coke with the other part of the small-grain fraction. Forming briquets from the mixture. Mixing the briquets with medium size coal fraction and steam gasifying to produce hydrogen. The hydrogentation is preferably carried out in a fluidized bed operation and the steam gasification in a fixed-bed operation.